Alissa Redmond is a Rowan County resident & owner of South Main Book Company in Salisbury NC.
She previously served in India, Afghanistan, Washington DC, Hong Kong, and Bolivia as a diplomat with the U.S. Department of State.
She also worked in the City of New Orleans’ Mayor’s Office for Health Policy post-Hurricane Katrina and volunteered with the Peace Corps to teach English in Fiji.
A graduate of the NC School of Science and Math, UNC-Wilmington, and Duke University (Master’s Degree in Public Policy), Alissa is proud to raise her eight and thirteen-year-old daughters in their home state of North Carolina. She is, and will forever be, a preacher's kid at heart.
My Campaign Platform
Fostering Growth and Opportunity
Vision for Growth: My priority as commissioner is to welcome and encourage economic development in new (non-AI Data center) directions. Rowan County is uniquely positioned with the majority of available land along the I-85 corridor between Charlotte and Greensboro/Winston-Salem corridor, presenting vast opportunities for development that works with - not against - existing neighborhoods.
Background in Global Business: With experience connecting with global industry leaders as a diplomat, I appreciate seeking outside opportunities to fuel growth here at home. But I also understand the vital importance of investing in our own grassroots, as small business owners pay local taxes while their money circulates more actively in our community than money spent online or with large corporations. I am comfortable speaking with industry leaders from here or overseas in order to build a stronger economy for our county.
Investing in Our Future
Renewal School District: As the only renewal school district in North Carolina, Rowan-Salisbury Schools (RSS) are at the forefront of transformative public education. We must attract and retain top talent within Rowan-Salisbury Schools, a vital employer and partner in our county.
Personal Commitment: As a parent of RSS students and a volunteer and board member for Communities in Schools-Rowan, I am dedicated to supporting our schools, including being a strong supporter of a school bond on the ballot; our children are worth investing in.
Caring for Our Heroes
Veterans’ Well-being: Having served in the national security branch, I am committed to supporting veterans, especially in accessing mental health resources, opioid addiction rehabilitation, and assistance with homelessness.
Advocacy for Veterans: Our veterans deserve our utmost support for their sacrifice. Members of the military and foreign affairs community devote their attention to serving, defending, and protecting our democracy, and they deserve all the same care and devotion to preserving their health and social networks when they return to our community.
Building a Vibrant and Welcoming Community
Placemaking and Community Growth: Rowan County planners have displayed incredible talent over centuries connecting our remarkable community. I want to do all I can to build off their efforts, to encourage more young families to reside and work here, to support and grow existing arts and cultural opportunities, to protect our small businesses and sources of investigative journalism as they flourish.
Addressing the Housing Crisis: As innovative placemakers, I believe we can creatively address a growing crisis in available housing, as we have substantial land assets, low taxes, and a desirable location to migrate towards (as already evidenced by trends during the COVID pandemic).
Promoting a Culture of Learning and Growth
Advocacy for Literacy: As a board member of the Rowan County Literacy Council, I am committed to promoting reading as a key activity for all citizens, fostering a culture of curiosity and open-mindedness.